JAILED: the far-right racist who called for the burning of mosques on Facebook

February 22, 2022 Article

A 51-year-old racist received a 10-month prison sentence last month after calling for the burning of mosques, outlawing Islam, and labelling Muslims as “dirty, twisted s***-stinking paedos” on Facebook.

Paul Shelton posted under the pseudonym “Pedro Smokey” and used the public group The Realist People Movement to post his violent, racist speech in October 2018.

Members of the public who took screenshots of the comments forwarded them on to the police, who located Shelton at their home address in Buxton Road, Furness Vale.

Shelton also used the racist epithet the P-word, according to DerbyshireLive.

The prosecution outlined how Mr Shelton proved uncooperative with police – examples presented included that when asked if he was behind the account, Shelton replied, “I can’t answer that question.”

Following two charges of publishing threatening written material intending to stir up religious hatred with a trial date at Derbyshire Crown Court for January 2020 – but delays shifted the trial date to January 18, 2022, where Shelton changed course and entered a guilty plea.

Judge Shaun Smith handed Shelton a 10-month custodial sentence – imposing a further ten months on licence.

Judge Smith said of Shelton: “What you posted was utterly vile, grossly offensive and appalling.

“No right-thinking person would think this is anything other than abhorrent.”

On Facebook, Shelton also promoted a far-right EDL protest outside of the so-called “Didsbury paedo cult hall,” and he called on others to burn it down and “cook our bacon on its ashes.”

In mitigation, the defence unsuccessfully argued that Shelton had “disavowed” his views and re-connected with his daughter and their Iraqi partner, along with a grandchild he “spoils”.

Detective Inspector Graham Prince, who leads the Derbyshire team at Counter-Terrorism Policing East Midlands that dealt with the case, said: “The language used by Paul Shelton in his posts were nothing short of horrifying.

“We have seen on an all too frequent basis the way in which online postings such as this can be taken into the physical world with absolutely devastating consequences – and it is clear from the sentence imposed that the courts have taken this matter very seriously.

“This is not a victimless crime or one that is any less serious simply because it was posted on Facebook. There should be no place for this type of hate speech and as a force, and region, we will do all we can to ensure that where people cross the line from debate into hate then they are rightly brought to justice.”

Shelton also received a five-year criminal behavioural order – meaning he must provide the police with details of any electronic devices he possesses – and provide passwords. If Shelton intends to use social media again, he must also do so with his real name.

Tell MAMA has, for many years, documented in news articles and research reports how the far-right weaponise the crimes of child sexual abuse to push racialised, harmful narratives in the online and offline worlds, how such ideas get mainstreamed, and the consequences – sometimes fatal, threatening, abusive have targeted Muslims or their institutions.

You can get advice from our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Or message us on WhatsApp on 0734 184 6086 or message us on Twitter or Facebook by following @tellmamauk.

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Categories: CSE, Derbyshire, Derbyshire Police, hate crime, News

Racist man punched Muslim teen in hijab in her nose in Swiss Cottage

February 16, 2022 Article

Content note: the images of Ayan’s injuries may prove upsetting and distressing, along with descriptions of a racist attack

The Metropolitan Police are investigating a shockingly violent racist attack on a Black Somali Muslim teen in Swiss Cottage, in the London borough of Camden.

18-year-old Ayan Mohamoud reached out to Tell MAMA on social media and consented for us to tell her story.

Ayan described how the assault occurred by the fountain located with the Swiss Cottage open space. Ayan had arrived there at around 7:30 pm on February 13, having finished work thirty minutes earlier.

During her walk, she noticed a single male walking in the opposite direction, and thinking nothing of it, paid no attention to him or made eye contact. The man, however, hesitated in his step as he approached before punching her in the nose. He said nothing and soon walked away.

The shock of the assault left her frozen, and with her nose bleeding profusely, she screamed and sought help from members of the public.

Sadly, one member of the public ignored her pleas.

Ayan soon called her mother in tears, and once safely home, called the police.

Officers attended the address that evening.

She also attended the hospital to have her injuries assessed.

The injuries and pains included issues with her eyes, which she remedied with eye drops, whilst the initial swelling on her nose has decreased – but described to our Casework Team that she is now suffering from severe headaches, neck aches, eye and nose pains. She disclosed photos of her injuries which appear below.

Ayan believes the assault may have been Islamophobic in nature, given that she was wearing a hijab and abaya when the assault occurred.

Posting her experiences of the assault on TikTok is another way she hopes will raise awareness and help police catch those responsible.

She thanked Tell MAMA for their support, stating, “Thank you so much for the support. I really appreciate it.”

We will continue to assist in this matter and will provide updates where possible.

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Categories: Camden, Hijab, London, MET Police, News, Swiss Cottage

New Virgin Media campaign features Muslim skateboarder in hijab

February 15, 2022 Article

Virgin Media, one of the UK’s biggest broadband providers, has launched a new campaign that centres on the skateboarder Aamira, who wears the hijab, and is part of the Melanin Skate Gals & Pals collective.

Melanin Skate Gals & Pals is a London-based collective that empowers minoritised and marginalised groups through skateboarding and social action, per their Instagram.

The advert begins with Aamira’s initial skateboarding troubles. And, by its conclusion, thanks to the support and friendships made in the collective, she can perform the “drop-in” successfully which brings collective cheer and celebration.

A press release from the company details how the ‘We’re better, connected’ campaign, created by Adam & Eve/DDB, forms part of Virgin Media’s ambition for more inclusivity in their advertising campaign. Their internal research revealed the inclusivity of skating communities both online and offline, which they sought to represent with this campaign.

The campaign had its television launch during the broadcast of Manchester United’s FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough on February 4.

The Drum praised the campaign, calling it their advert of the day when it premiered.

Paul Knott, creative director at Adam & Eve/DDB, said: “The campaign is an example of how technology can unite people from different backgrounds and communities, enabling them to share in their pursuits, often in unexpected and serendipitous ways.” Simon Groves, the Executive Director of Brand and Marketing at Virgin Media O2, mentioned the new campaign: “shows just how integral the internet is in inspiring us, connecting us, and helping us achieve our dreams, no matter what our background.”

On social media, Tell MAMA documented several reports of racist speech targeting the campaign, with some falsely accusing the company of pushing a “woke” agenda that a “majority does not recognise” to others pushing hate speech about demographics with the infamous “#WhiteLivesMatters” hashtag.

One example of the racist response to the Virgin Media campaign, as reported to us by a member of the public.

We continue to urge the public to report such content across any major social media platform, given our trusted flagger status.

We've been made aware of some disgusting racist comments made in response to a @virginmedia campaign that centres on a hijabi Muslim skateboarder – we’ve since flagged them with Twitter for removal.

If you see hate online. Report in confidence.#WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/ycVJR3PqFR

— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) February 15, 2022

More broadly, stories about the Melanin Skate Gals & Pals collective have appeared in other media outlets in recent months. For example, the zine writer and fashion photographer Martus Chai photographed members of Melanin Skate Gals & Pals which was featured in the i-D magazine last December. Chai reflected how the collective creates a safe space for queer and POC skaters, mentioning that fashion “became a way to embrace a marginalised group within our community.”

Marie Mayassi, who founded the collective, told This Girl Can, “I really encourage anyone who wants to start skateboarding to actually try and find a collective where they feel like they fit, but also to not hesitate to start their own initiative if they don’t feel like any of the collectives are catering for their feelings.”

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Categories: advertising, Hate Speech, Hijab, News

IOPC report highlights racist, misogynistic, discriminatory culture at Met Police

February 1, 2022 Article

Content note for racist, ableist, homophobic dehumanising and misogynistic language that promotes rape, domestic and sexual violence towards women.

A damning report from the police watchdog, The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), made fifteen recommendations to change a fundamentally toxic and harmful and discriminatory culture of bullying, misogyny, racism and discrimination at Charing Cross station in London.

The IPOC report noted that whilst the team identified at Charing Cross had since been disbanded, evidence of similar troubling behaviour appeared in other investigations, adding that such incidents did not exist in isolation or the actions of a few “bad apples”.

The initial investigation began in March 2018 following a “conduct referral” amidst allegations that an officer had sex with a vulnerable woman at the station, which became an internal harassment investigation, according to the IOPC press release, with nine independent investigations ongoing against serving Met officers.

“Banter” was a shield to excuse oppressive behaviours in a toxic environment of hyper-masculinity, misogyny, sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying.

Structural issues – including isolation, shift patterns, the nature of work, supervision and “acting up and unofficial promotions” enabled these horrendous and troubling behaviours.

For the IOPC, it found “an underlying culture allowed conduct issues to permeate and behavioural problems went unchallenged.”

Operation Hotton highlighted examples of a male officer telling a female officer of a desire to rape them. In addition, on WhatsApp, male officers disclosed their use of domestic violence; one officer wrote, “Now I know why these daft c**** are getting murdered by their sp*stic boyfriends,” adding, “Knock a bird about, and she will love you,” which elicited the chilling reply, “LMAO”.

An equally chilling WhatsApp message dehumanised women further – a grotesque comparison described how getting women “into bed” was akin to “spreading butter” made easier with a knife.

A culture of fear stopped more officers from speaking out, and for those who did, challenging such dehumanising, violent misogyny made female officers further targeted. Examples included female officers labelled as “weary women” and told it was part of the culture of policing, which they should accept, to “play the game or stay quiet” or leave — the Operation Hotton Report detailed how the Met were insensitive with internal reports of sexual harassment. Other officers described an “us versus them” siege mentality – with complainants marginalised as “grasses”.

Black and Asian officers informed the IOPC of their ostracisation from white colleagues as the toxic culture of discriminatory, homophobic, ableist, racist, and debasing targeting of non-Christian faiths, including Islam, appeared throughout the report.

Racist, anti-Black statements included referring to innocent Black men as “robbers”, and one officer dehumanised Somali communities by referring to them as “rats” – and boasted of assaulting a Somali individual. Further examples of anti-Black racism included the abhorrent statement, “PWPEHCLM – People with pre-existing heart conditions lives matter. Should of offered him a kit kat and a nice lie down. Murdering c****.” During the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and their subsequent murder conviction for the killing of George Floyd, a central pillar of his defence relied upon centuries of racist, anti-Black stereotypes, including the false narrative that George Floyd’s death resulted instead from underlying heart issues. Another message highlighted by the IOPC included an officer stating that an uncle had kidnapped “some African children and used them to make dog food.”

Communications of an anti-Muslim and Islamophobic nature included, “Just walked past the big mosque all the fanatics turn up at to radicalise the young muslims….”

In an example of Holocaust minimisation and trivialisation, where an officer scoffed at dealing with flies in their apartment, described how they “got the fly spray and turned my gaff into Auschwitz”.

Whereas examples of normalised ableism included the use of the R-word. Messages of a homophobic nature included the slur “bender”.

The IOPC investigated fourteen police officers – with two dismissed for gross misconduct and barred from policing. Two officers resigned and two others were disciplined.

Further, into the report, the IOPC noted that the evidence further supported the picture of unfair treatment of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority groups – further compounding low confidence in policing. The report calls for the Met Police to address such harmful and discriminatory behaviours and set “clear standards that this is unacceptable”. In addition, they spoke of their deep concern that such communications “may reflect officers attitudes and their ability to police communities sensitivity and impartially”.

For the IOPC, the seriousness and frequency of failures to challenge these harmful remarks pointed to a “systemic cultural issue that allowed the behaviour to pervade and persist” and, therefore, they called on the Met Police to take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination publicly, and weed out these behaviours and cultures to help restore public trust.

One recommendation called for a review of policies, training and guidance on bullying and harassment to “adequately cover” the harms of toxic masculinity and misogyny foster an intimidating, degrading and hostile environment for women.

Regarding structural racism, the IOPC called on the Met Police to eradicate racism and make progress from the recommendations of the Macpherson Report and demonstrably measure improvements and publicly state its aim to be an anti-racist organisation with a zero-tolerance approach to the issue. The Macpherson Report, published in 1999 in response to the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, highlighted institutional racism within the Met Police, which they defined as the “collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture, or ethnic origin.” Which, the report concluded, emerge in “processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping which disadvantage minority ethnic people.”

The tenth anniversary of the watershed report revealed that the Home Office had “partly or fully implemented” 67 of the 70 recommendations. In July 2021, a House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee report on racism in policing 22 years after Macpherson revealed disproportionately in policies like stop and search powers to the continued representation of minorities in policing reflective of communities they serve. The College of Policing also published its findings last year.

Following the publication of the Operation Hotton report, Regional Director for London at the IOPC, Sal Naseem, said: “The behaviour we uncovered was disgraceful and fell well below the standards expected of the officers involved.

“While these officers predominantly worked in teams in Westminster, which have since been disbanded, we know from other recent cases that these issues are not isolated or historic.”

Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Met Police Bas Javid said: “I am angry and disappointed to see officers involved in sharing sexist, racist and discriminatory messages. It’s clear we have a lot of work to do to ensure bullying and discrimination does not exist in any part of the Met.”

Responding to the report on Twitter, Sunita Gablim QPM from Police Now wrote: “Diversity, equality and inclusion should be everyone’s priority. Its deeply upsetting reading this report on Operation Hooton, it propels me to continue to promote and improve DEI in policing. We must call out these cultures.”

President of the National Black Police Association in the UK, Andy George, advocated replicating policing reforms enacted across policing in Northern Ireland across Great Britain, noting that “legislative measures put accountability on leaders and, more importantly, at a local level.”

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Categories: homophobia, institutional racism, IOPC, Metropolitan Police, Misogny, News, sexism

Racist couple with “extreme racist attitudes” avoid prison over racist attack

January 14, 2022 Article

A racist couple who the judge described as having “expressed extreme racist attitudes” and violently assaulted a British-Iranian couple outside of a hotel in Sheffield avoided prison.

The sustained racist attack occurred on the evening of September 25, 2020, outside of the Leopold Hotel at around 10pm, YorkshireLive and the Rotherham Advertiser reported.

Brittney Peterson, 23, broke the women’s nose after repeatedly punching them in the face following a deluge of racist abuse towards the couple waiting outside the hotel – who came to the city on a trip.

Ms Peterson and her 34-year-old partner Alan Smith had earlier been drinking at a bar in Leopold Square when they confronted and abused staff, with Peterson telling one staff member, “Don’t talk to me like I’m Black,” according to the prosecution.

CCTV tracked the couple to the hotel where they conversed with them, with Ms Peterson subjecting the woman to a torrent of racist abuse after learning their backgrounds, after asking them where they are from. The couple replied: “the Middle East”, to which Peterson aggressively responded, “Oh, the f******* Middle East”.

Intimidating the couple further, Peterson and Smith made further racist comments, informing them to “go back to your own country”.

When the couple attempted to leave and enter the hotel reception, Peterson began punching the woman as Smith attacked the man.

The prosecution further outlined how the man had put himself between the racist couple and his partner to protect them, but the racist couple continued their attack.

Security staff at a bar close intervened to stop the racist violence.

YorkshireLive reported that the female victim sustained a broken nose and facial bruising, as her partner suffered head injuries.

A victim’s personal statement read to the court from the man and detailed further by the Rotherham Advertiser stated: “It makes me very angry and upset as I am a British citizen and I do not expect this to happen to anyone because of their race.”

The defence argued that Smith and Peterson were remorseful and regretted their behaviour.

Peterson would later admit racially aggravated GBH as Smith, who is based in Rotherham, admitted racially aggravated wounding.

Judge Sarah Wright passed 13-month prison sentences respectively, suspended for two years, with “onerous” conditions attached, as the couple had come “close” to custodial sentences.

The judge called on the racist couple to “educate themselves” and “reflect on their behaviour”.

Both must now complete 25 days of rehabilitation, pay their victims £500 each, perform 180 hours of unpaid work, observe a curfew of 8 pm to 6 am and wear electronic tags.

Tell MAMA will be raising our concerns about the lenient nature of the sentencing with the relevant authorities.

You can get advice from our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Or contact us via WhatsApp on 0734 184 6086.

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Categories: CPS, hate crime, News, Sheffield, South Yorkshire police

Man in army uniform told family “Palestine isn’t real” during anti-Muslim rant

November 4, 2021 Article

A Muslim family shopping at a branch of the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s in north London described how a man in army uniform abused them in a long anti-Muslim and Islamophobic rant that included falsely accusing the father of ‘oppressing women’ and said that “Palestine isn’t real”.

Speaking to Tell MAMA’s Casework Team, the man, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained that their young child, curious about the man’s uniform, approached them to learn more only to be looked upon with disgust and suspicion, as the uniformed man questioned their identity and background.

The incident took place on the afternoon of October 24.

Having informed the perpetrator that some of the family had a Palestinian background, he turned to the young child and told them, “Palestine isn’t real.” Then, turning to the father, they ranted inchoately about the mistreatment of women and suggested and said to the Muslim man, “I’m sure that makes you happy, doesn’t it?!” falsely accusing him of oppressing and abusing women because of his Islamic faith. As they continued, in the father’s words, to jump from topic to topic, making crude anti-Muslim and Islamophobic remarks.

Feeling further threatened, the family left the store without submitting a complaint to security or management but later agreed for Tell MAMA to raise this with Sainsbury’s whilst protecting their identity.

The family described the perpetrator as a white male in his mid-to-late-fifties.

Having flagged the incident with the supermarket, a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s told Tell MAMA: “Sainsbury’s is an inclusive retailer and does not tolerate any abusive, discriminatory or threatening behaviour in our stores. If a customer experiences anything of this nature we will support them to report the incident to the police and help with investigation in any way that we can.”

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Categories: anti-racism, hate, Muslim, News, Palestine, Sainsbury's

Racist slammed car door against Muslim woman strapping their child in

October 15, 2021 Article

A racist man slammed a Muslim woman’s car door onto her, injuring her as she almost fell onto her young child, and told her, “I’m fed up of you foreigners,” before fleeing the scene by driving off.

The anti-Muslim and Islamophobic attack is under investigation from the Met and occurred on September 19.

Tell MAMA can confirm that the police interviewed the perpetrator as we continue to provide support and monitor the case moving forward.

The perpetrator had falsely accused the woman of blocking and touching his car in a car park in the London Borough of Hounslow.

To protect their identity, we are not disclosing the exact location.

Speaking to Tell MAMA, the woman, who is Turkish, described the perpetrator as a white male in his mid-to-late fifties. She added that she continued to have pain and issues with her back for at least a week after the assault occurred and has since tried to push it to the back of her mind.

Such an example of racialised, gendered violence and abuse echoes the overwhelming body of research Tell MAMA produces each year about the disproportionate targeting of Muslim women across the UK.

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Categories: gendered violence, hate crime, Hounslow, London, MET Police, News

Pro-refugee, anti-fascist stickers vandalised in Walthamstow

August 31, 2021 Article

A member of the public spoke of their anger and disgust after stickers welcoming refugees and anti-fascist in nature were vandalised on several lampposts in Walthamstow.

The individual spotted the vandalism when out walking over the Bank Holiday weekend along Coppermill Lane – the first vandalised sticker found appeared just past Rensburg road, showed a ‘Refugees Welcome’ sticker vandalised in black marker pen to read ‘Refugees Not Welcome’. They removed the racist vandalism upon closer inspection.

Speaking to Tell MAMA, they described seeing anti-fascist stickers marked with black crosses through the logos in a similar-sized tip, as another ‘Refugees Welcome’ sticker bore similar markings before someone(s) aggressively scratched out the family in the logo.

The witness believed the vandalism was carried out by the same individual(s) given the nature of the handwriting and use of marker pen.

The manner of the vandalism ‘alarmed’ them, given the anger directed the depiction of a refugee family when scratched out so aggressively – stressing their belief that those responsible felt emboldened by the political climate and rhetoric of some politicians and wanting to target vulnerable refugees and those opposed to racism and fascism.

As they walked further down Coppermill Lane, a sticker reading ‘No One Is Illegal’ had been scratched out, though other pro-refugee stickers remained or appeared after that.

After giving Tell MAMA permission to post their photographs, they believed the vandalism was recent, owing to the arrival of Afghan refugees.

Tell MAMA has long highlighted examples of racist and neo-Nazi stickers targeting Muslims, refugees, and other minorities.

We have flagged the racist vandalism of the sticker welcoming refugees to the Metropolitan Police.

More broadly, for those wishing to do so, there are many resources and articles dedicated to assisting Afghan refugees and showing solidarity, with helpful advice available for those wanting to help refugees about the practicalities and avoiding potential pitfalls when donating to small charities. For example, Bridgette Chapman, who works for a refugee charity in Kent, wrote: “Rather than contact overstretched charities to ask what’s needed, try taking a look at their website and social media to see if there are any specific requests.”

Tell MAMA extends their gratitude to the upstander who safely removed the sticker they came across.

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Categories: hate crime, Metropolitan Police, News, refugee, Waltham Forest, Walthamstow

Black Muslim woman awarded almost £25k discrimination payout

July 9, 2021 Article

An employment tribunal has awarded a Black Muslim woman £24,945.72 after colleagues made racist comments in the office and posted threats against her on a group WhatsApp chat.

The tribunal upheld Muna Abdi’s claim of unlawful harassment contrary to the Equality Act 2010 – but dismissed her claim for equal pay.

Ms Abdi, who is Somali and wears the hijab, joined Deltec, a distribution services provider based in Hounslow, Middlesex, as an Evening Operations Clerk on November 6, 2017. She resigned with immediate effect on September 1, 2018.

She described a ‘juvenile and chaotic’ working environment in the Export Department with little training and high staff turnover. In addition, Ms Abdi raised concerns about a pay disparity between herself (starting at £7.45 per hour rising to £8.75 per hour from August 2018) and two male colleagues identified in the judgment as Tyrel Tripp and Oliver Rolls – both salaried at £20,000 per annum, above Ms Abdi’s salary which she raised multiple times with their line manager Simon.

On August 8, 2018, a conversation between Ms Abdi, a female colleague identified as Arouge, Tyrel Tripp, Brandon Tripp, and Oliver Rolls. During the discussion, white privilege arose from either Ms Abdi or Arouge, and from the resulting argument, Tyrel and Oliver made the racist claim that “the majority of crimes in England are made by black people”, which Ms Abdi challenged. The judgment detailed that Tyrel and Oliver reiterated this racist falsehood even after internet searches disproved it.

Muna Abdi described how the vile discussion and argument left her upset, as Arouge spoke of an uncomfortable dynamic which later improved when raising the issue with Cunningham.

Two days later, Ms Abdi logged onto her computer with a colleague’s login details and discovered a group chat on WhatsApp, including her manager Simon and her colleagues Tyrel, Oliver, and Brandon.

Extracts of the WhatsApp exchanges contained racist and dehumanising Islamophobic language and threats of violence towards Ms Abdi.

[Tyrel] ‘F****** immigrants’…. [Oliver] ‘smell like f****** chucked tikka’ [Oliver]‘’F****** c****, lot of them’ [Tyrel] ‘F****** YES, F****** SUFFER, YOU LITTLE POSTBOX’, [Brandon] ‘Bruv whats her problem, Come we bang her’……‘bruv someone shut this terrorist up before I get vexed, bmt ill rip her head scarf off, ill swing them both mums.’

The group chat also contained excessive use of laughing emojis and emojis of Muslim women wearing the hijab.

Tell MAMA has long-documented how dehumanising anti-Muslim language towards Muslim women, as letterboxes and terrorists, have violent, harmful, and in some cases, discriminatory outcomes for Muslim women who wear the niqab or other veiling practice.

After raising concerns that included her pay and working conditions, Ms Abdi logged in again and discovered further WhatsApp content, including that the group chat image to that of a black hijab remained ‘ALLHAMDULLAH’ mocked Muna and Arouge. And, again, used excessive laughter and hijab emojis – as conversations that day in the office referenced ham.

An email sent from Ms Abdi to Helen Bergin came to the attention of the company’s CEO, Mr Cunnigham, who described the conversations as highly offensive and puerile – promising to take action having met with them in person. And, following his investigation, issued final warnings to Simon and Brandon as Tyrel and Oliver, both in their probationary period, had their employment terminated on August 20. Mr Cunningham had a face-to-face meeting with Muna Abdi two days later and apologised for their conduct.

Despite the action taken, however, Simon continued to cause Muna and Arouge to feel uncomfortable, so Munda tendered her resignation effective September 1, 2018.

The tribunal rejected a free speech argument, as it did not consider “any arguments relating to free speech assist the respondent or disapply the application of the Equality Act in these circumstances.”

Regarding the harassment, the tribunal concluded that it created an “intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating and offensive environment for the claimant.”

The tribunal had harsh criticisms for her line manager Simon and his failures to act on her complaints, dismissing them as a mere ‘she said he said scenario’.

Regarding Mr Cunnigham, whilst dismissing an allegation of direct discrimination, the ruling did point a glaring inadequacy – as the violence and hate from Brandon, “who was to continue working alongside the claimant, that was at least condoned by Simon, the claimant’s direct line manager, who would continue to have everyday contact with the claimant.”

The remedy judgment, published on July 8, 2021, awarded Muna Abdi £24,945.21 to be paid within thirteen days.

Tell MAMA provides a free tool kit for workplace discrimination issues, downloadable from here.

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Categories: discrimination, employment, Employment Tribunal, Hijab, letterbox, News

Racist and homophobic letter calls for white supremacist violence in Sheffield

July 5, 2021 Article

A racist and homophobic letter calling for white supremacist violence has been spotted in Sheffield, causing fear and alarm.

The leaflet, found in the Crookes suburb of the city, contained the racist epithets the N-word and the P-word and used the homophobic slur ‘f****’.

The leaflet calls for a white supremacist summer of violence and calls for a month of hatred and was discovered over the weekend.

Tell MAMA reported the material on behalf of the member of the public who discovered it.

The racist and homophobic calls for violence appeared on a piece of paper torn from a notepad in what appears to be wax crayon or marker pen – with hate written in red with the harmful and hateful slurs written in purple.

Tell MAMA is urging members of the public in Sheffield to report the leaflets to South Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or using True Vision online. Our casework team can also report such materials anonymously or on behalf of those impacted in confidence.

Advice: what to do if you receive or find hate mail:

Letters and envelopes must be kept and handled minimally to preserve evidence
Place the letter and the envelope in a clean and sealable plastic bag to stop further contamination

Tell MAMA will continue to provide updates to this story where applicable.

Have you come across this racist and homophobic material? Get in touch in confidence.

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Categories: Far Right groups, Hate Mail, Neo-Nazi, News, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, South Yorkshire police